The Phillies have enough depth to tell weak-hitting outfielder Johan Rojas not to take it personally if they pinch-hit for him.
Rojas struggled at the plate in the 2023 playoffs with a .093 batting average. The Phillies were unsure about keeping the defensive star after he batted .170 in spring training.
Phil manager Rob Thomson feels good about the team's depth and options, such as having Brandon Marsh or Whit Merrifield on the bench to provide a strong at-bat, even against a right-handed pitcher for Whit.
There are no major concerns about the starting pitching staff at the moment, despite Taijuan Walker's shoulder injury putting him on the 15-day injury list.
Spencer Turnbull, an offseason acquisition, will temporarily fill in as the fifth starter until Walker returns, allowing Zack Wheeler to maintain his usual spot in the rotation.
Thomson mentioned that Spencer is currently throwing a simulated game in the bullpen without hitters, while Wheeler will maintain his rotation position and pitch in game six.
Wheeler will start Game 1 Friday, while Thomson hopes Turnbull can provide about five innings with up to 85 pitches in Game 5 next week.
In addition to Walker, several right-handers will start the year on the 15-day injured list due to various injuries.
The Phillies received encouraging news about Kerkering, who hit 98 mph on the radar gun while pitching in Florida. He is expected to return around the second week of April, barring any setbacks.
Thomson stated that Kerkering's condition is due to fatigue and that they do not have any concerns.
According to Thomson, Walker played catch on Wednesday and was scheduled to throw from 120 feet on Thursday, with the plan to throw a bullpen session on Saturday if he feels ready.
Thomson mentioned that Walker is progressing well and as long as he continues to feel good, they will move forward with his recovery.
The Phillies' 26-man roster consists of 13 pitchers (five lefties, eight righties), two catchers, five infielders, four outfielders, one utility player, and one designated hitter.
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Pitchers (13): Left-handers – José Alvarado, Cristopher Sánchez, Gregory Soto, Matt Strahm and Ranger Suárez. Right-handers – Connor Brogdon, Seranthony Domínguez, Jeff Hoffman, Yunior Marte, Aaron Nola, Luis Ortiz, Spencer Turnbull and Zack Wheeler.
Catchers (2): J.T. Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs.
Infielders (5): Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott and Trea Turner.
Outfielders (4): Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache and Johan Rojas.
Utility player Whit Merrifield.
Designated Hitter Kyle Schwarber.
15-day injured list: Right-handed pitchers Dylan Covey (suffering from a right shoulder strain), Orion Kerkering (experiencing a right forearm strain), Michael Rucker (dealing with a right hand arterial vasospasm) and Taijuan Walker (experiencing right shoulder soreness).
10-day injured list: Catcher Rafael Marchán (suffering from lower back pain).
